'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' then and now

By LYNSI BURTON

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"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": Best Griswold movie or greatest Griswold movie? This 1989 Christmas favorite chronicles the unrelenting frustrations of bumbling patriarch Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, that dampen his holiday spirit, from the disastrous Christmas light overkill to the doubt that he will receive the Christmas bonus he relies on every year.

The movie grossed about $71.3 million in the U.S. and remains a Christmas classic today.

The movie grossed about $71.3 million in the U.S. and remains a Christmas classic today.

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty

The movie grossed about $71.3 million in the U.S. and remains a... Photo-5595385.76062 - seattlepi.com

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The film features an all-star cast of marquee names at the time, as well as up-and-comers we love for their more celebrated roles today.

Where are they now?

The film features an all-star cast of marquee names at the time, as well as up-and-comers we love for their more celebrated roles today.

Where are they now?

Photo: Archive Photos, Getty

The film features an all-star cast of marquee names at the time, as... Photo-5595383.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Chevy Chase was already a comedy legend by 1989, having been an original "Saturday Night Live" cast member and a star in "Caddyshack." He anchored SNL's "Weekend Update" sketch with the tagline, "Good evening, I'm Chevy Chase and you're not." The Christmas move was his third turn as Clark Griswold, having played the role in 1983's "Vacation" and 1985's "European Vacation." less

Chevy Chase was already a comedy legend by 1989, having been an original "Saturday Night Live" cast member and a star in "Caddyshack." He anchored SNL's "Weekend Update" sketch with the tagline, "Good evening, ... more

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd., Getty

Chevy Chase was already a comedy legend by 1989, having been an... Photo-5595369.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Chase, now 73, since churned out a couple more Griswold productions, among several other family-friendly comedies. He was known to the modern generation as Pierce Hawthorne of NBC's sitcom, "Community," though he left that show in the middle of its fourth season amid reports of conflict with cast and crew members. He also appeared in last year's "Vacation" reprisal, which stars Ed Helms as Griswold son Rusty. Additionally, he played the repairman again in "Hot Tub Time Machine 2." less

Chase, now 73, since churned out a couple more Griswold productions, among several other family-friendly comedies. He was known to the modern generation as Pierce Hawthorne of NBC's sitcom, "Community," though ... more

Photo: NBC, Getty

Chase, now 73, since churned out a couple more Griswold... Photo-5595412.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Beverly D'Angelo, the Griswold matron saint, worked as a cartoon animator and singer before breaking into acting. After a few years of gaining progressively bigger parts, she played Patsy Cline in 1980's "Coal Minter's Daughter," which starred Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn. less

Beverly D'Angelo, the Griswold matron saint, worked as a cartoon animator and singer before breaking into acting. After a few years of gaining progressively bigger parts, she played Patsy Cline in 1980's "Coal ... more

The Griswold children, Audrey and Rusty, were played by a revolving door of snarky teens, but Juliette Lewis played Audrey in "Christmas Vacation." She had roles in a few other movies and appearances in "The Facts of Life" (pictured) before "Christmas Vacation" debuted, but she's had an illustrious career since. less

The Griswold children, Audrey and Rusty, were played by a revolving door of snarky teens, but Juliette Lewis played Audrey in "Christmas Vacation." She had roles in a few other movies and appearances in "The ... more

Photo: Alice S. Hall, Getty

The Griswold children, Audrey and Rusty, were played by a revolving... Photo-5595332.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Lewis' career took off in the early '90s with turns in "Crooked Hearts,"
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape," "Husbands and Wives," "From Dusk Till
Dawn" and "Natural Born Killers," among several others. She received an Oscar nod for best supporting actress for 1991's "Cape Fear," which starred Robert DeNiro. Starting in 2004, she went on hiatus from acting to pursue a musical career and toured with her band, Juliette and the Licks before going solo. She has continued to make film and TV cameos and play several parts, seen more recently in "Whip It," "August: Osage County" and TV's "The Firm." More recently, she starred in the TV series "Wayward Pines" and "Secrets and Lies." She is now 43. less

Lewis' career took off in the early '90s with turns in "Crooked Hearts,"
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape," "Husbands and Wives," "From Dusk Till
Dawn" and "Natural Born Killers," among several others. She ... more

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty

Lewis' career took off in the early '90s with turns in... Photo-5595462.76062 - seattlepi.com

Doris Roberts, who played Ellen Griswold's mother Francis, was a longtime Broadway star and played occasional TV roles before picking up consistent movie work in the '70s. During the 10 years before the release of "Christmas Vacation," she played in the TV series "Angie," "Barney Miller" and "Remington Steele." less

Doris Roberts, who played Ellen Griswold's mother Francis, was a longtime Broadway star and played occasional TV roles before picking up consistent movie work in the '70s. During the 10 years before the release ... more

Of course, Roberts since became famous as Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond." She died in April at age 90.

Of course, Roberts since became famous as Marie Barone on "Everybody Loves Raymond." She died in April at age 90.

Photo: Tibrina Hobson, Getty

Of course, Roberts since became famous as Marie Barone on... Photo-5595410.76062 - seattlepi.com

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E.G. Marshall played Ellen Griswold's father, Art, in "Christmas Vacation." Among his more than 150 TV and movie roles was Juror No. 4 in 1957's "12 Angry Men." He was also a longtime host of "The CBS Radio Mystery Theater." less

E.G. Marshall played Ellen Griswold's father, Art, in "Christmas Vacation." Among his more than 150 TV and movie roles was Juror No. 4 in 1957's "12 Angry Men." He was also a longtime host of "The CBS Radio ... more

Marshall, center, since played John Mitchell in 1995's "Nixon." He died in 1998 at age 84.

Marshall, center, since played John Mitchell in 1995's "Nixon." He died in 1998 at age 84.

Photo: Marion Curtis, Getty

Marshall, center, since played John Mitchell in 1995's... Photo-5595329.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Diane Ladd played Clark's mother, Nora, one of the many in-laws and relatives to storm the Griswold house for Christmas. She has received three Oscar nominations for her roles in 1974's "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," 1990's "Wild At Heart" and 1991's "Rambling Rose." All three movies also starred Ladd's daughter, Laura Dern. less

Diane Ladd played Clark's mother, Nora, one of the many in-laws and relatives to storm the Griswold house for Christmas. She has received three Oscar nominations for her roles in 1974's "Alice Doesn't Live Here ... more

Photo: Time & Life Pictures, Getty

Diane Ladd played Clark's mother, Nora, one of the many... Photo-5595375.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Ladd was recently seen acting alongside her daughter once again in the critically acclaimed but short-lived HBO series, "Enlightened." Ladd also played in the recent Jennifer Lawrence film, "Joy." She is 81.

Ladd was recently seen acting alongside her daughter once again in the critically acclaimed but short-lived HBO series, "Enlightened." Ladd also played in the recent Jennifer Lawrence film, "Joy." She is 81.

Photo: Beck Starr, Getty

Ladd was recently seen acting alongside her daughter once again in... Photo-5595411.76062 - seattlepi.com

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John Randolph, who played the affable Clark, Sr., was a Tony Award-winning actor who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his social activism.

He was a TV and movie regular throughout his long career, with credits including "Prizzi's Honor," "Frances," "The Missiles of October" and "Serpico." less

John Randolph, who played the affable Clark, Sr., was a Tony Award-winning actor who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his social activism.

John Randolph, who played the affable Clark, Sr., was a Tony... Photo-5595371.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Randolph went on to play Roseanne's father on occasion on "Roseanne" and appeared in "You've Got Mail" (1998). He died in 2004 at age 88.

Randolph went on to play Roseanne's father on occasion on "Roseanne" and appeared in "You've Got Mail" (1998). He died in 2004 at age 88.

Photo: Albert L. Ortega, Getty

Randolph went on to play Roseanne's father on occasion on... Photo-5595378.76062 - seattlepi.com

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You know it's about to get real when deadbeat Cousin Eddie and his clan roll up on the Griswold house and horn in on the festivities.

"If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am now," Clark says upon Eddie's arrival.

Randy Quaid also played in the original "Vacation" movie in 1983 and won a Golden Globe for his turn as President Lyndon Johnson in the 1987 TV movie, "LBJ: The Early Years." He also played recurring roles on "Saturday Night Live" in the '80s. less

You know it's about to get real when deadbeat Cousin Eddie and his clan roll up on the Griswold house and horn in on the festivities.

"If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more ... more

Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd., Getty

You know it's about to get real when deadbeat Cousin Eddie and... Photo-5595368.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Quaid went on to continue a lauded career, later appearing in "Independence Day" and receiving critical praise for his role in 2005's "Brokeback Mountain." He hasn't appeared in anything, however, since he and his wife have run into legal trouble in 2009 and since sought refuge in Canada.

They were first arrested in Texas for investigation of defrauding an innkeeper, burglary, and conspiracy in California. Randy Quaid's charges were dropped while Evi pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor defrauding an innkeeper charge. The 2010, the couple was charged with burglary living in a Santa Barbara guest house without permission of the owner. The couple since moved to Canada, reportedly in fear of their lives at the hands of "Hollywood star whackers." The couple was caught crossing into Vermont in last year, but both were released from custody. Quaid is 66. less

Quaid went on to continue a lauded career, later appearing in "Independence Day" and receiving critical praise for his role in 2005's "Brokeback Mountain." He hasn't appeared in anything, however, since he and ... more

Photo: David Livingston, Getty

Quaid went on to continue a lauded career, later appearing in... Photo-5595327.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Miriam Flynn played Cousin Eddie's wife, Cathrine. She is a character and voice actor.

Miriam Flynn played Cousin Eddie's wife, Cathrine. She is a character and voice actor.

Flynn has offered her voice in the "Land Before Time" TV series, the movie "Babe" and "Family Guy." She also starred in the late-'90s TV show "Malcolm and Eddie" and sitcom "Grounded for Life." She's recently been seen in "Scandal" and "iZombie." She is 64. less

Flynn has offered her voice in the "Land Before Time" TV series, the movie "Babe" and "Family Guy." She also starred in the late-'90s TV show "Malcolm and Eddie" and sitcom "Grounded for Life." She's recently ... more

Photo: Adam Taylor, Getty

Flynn has offered her voice in the "Land Before Time" TV... Photo-5595475.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Mae Questel played Aunt Bethany, one half of a senile duo with Uncle Lewis. She recited the Pledge of Allegiance when asked to say grace at the dinner table. As Uncle Lewis tells her, "You couldn't hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant." less

Mae Questel played Aunt Bethany, one half of a senile duo with Uncle Lewis. She recited the Pledge of Allegiance when asked to say grace at the dinner table. As Uncle Lewis tells her, "You couldn't hear a dump ... more

Questel is the voice of Betty Boop and Popeye's love, Olive Oyl. She started performing the Vaudeville circuit at age 17 and was known for imitations of Marlene Dietrich, Mae West and Helen Kane, among others. She reprised her Betty Boop role almost 50 years after the cartoon character's retirement for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," which premiered in 1988.

"Christmas Vacation" was her last film appearance before her 1998 death at age 89. less

Are you ready to have your mind blown?

Questel is the voice of Betty Boop and Popeye's love, Olive Oyl. She started performing the Vaudeville circuit at age 17 and was known for imitations of Marlene Dietrich, ... more

Photo: FireSoul, Flickr/Oop Boop A Doop

Are you ready to have your mind blown? Questel is the voice of... Photo-5595415.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Uncle Lewis, played by William Hickey, burns down Clark's beloved, oversized Christmas tree when he lights his cigar. Before "Christmas Vacation," he recently starred in "Prizzi's Honor."

Uncle Lewis, played by William Hickey, burns down Clark's beloved, oversized Christmas tree when he lights his cigar. Before "Christmas Vacation," he recently starred in "Prizzi's Honor."

Photo: ABC Photo Archives, Getty

Uncle Lewis, played by William Hickey, burns down Clark's... Photo-5595478.76062 - seattlepi.com

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After torching Clark's tree, Hickey played a recurring role in the TV sitcom "Wings" and later appeared in 1997's "Mousehunt" (pictured). He died in 1997 at age 69.

After torching Clark's tree, Hickey played a recurring role in the TV sitcom "Wings" and later appeared in 1997's "Mousehunt" (pictured). He died in 1997 at age 69.

Photo: DreamWorks

After torching Clark's tree, Hickey played a recurring role in... Photo-5595414.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Nicholas Guest played Todd Chester, one half of the yuppie couple that lived next door to the Griswolds. Clark and the Chesters had a little vendetta.

Nicholas Guest played Todd Chester, one half of the yuppie couple that lived next door to the Griswolds. Clark and the Chesters had a little vendetta.

Guest, now 65, is largely a voice actor. He has lent his voice to "Frozen," "Tangled" and dozens of video games. He has recently been seen, however, in "Madam Secretary" and "Sleepy Hollow."

Guest, now 65, is largely a voice actor. He has lent his voice to "Frozen," "Tangled" and dozens of video games. He has recently been seen, however, in "Madam Secretary" and "Sleepy Hollow."

Photo: David Livingston, Getty

Guest, now 65, is largely a voice actor. He has lent his voice to... Photo-5595408.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Margo Chester, was a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" before playing the sneering snob next door on "Christmas Vacation."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Margo Chester, was a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" before playing the sneering snob next door on "Christmas Vacation."

Photo: NBC, Getty

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Margo Chester, was a cast member of... Photo-5595331.76062 - seattlepi.com

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In 1989 she joined the cast of "Seinfeld" as the inimitable Elaine Benes. She was added after the pilot was filmed, when executives decided the sitcom needed a female presence.

STEEELLLLLAAAAAAAA.

In 1989 she joined the cast of "Seinfeld" as the inimitable Elaine Benes. She was added after the pilot was filmed, when executives decided the sitcom needed a female presence.

STEEELLLLLAAAAAAAA.

Photo: Gino Mifsud, Getty

In 1989 she joined the cast of "Seinfeld" as the... Photo-5595389.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Since "Seinfeld," of course, she won Emmys for her roles in "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and her current gig as Vice President Selena Meyer in "Veep." She is 55.

Since "Seinfeld," of course, she won Emmys for her roles in "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and her current gig as Vice President Selena Meyer in "Veep." She is 55.

Photo: Steve Granitz, Getty

Since "Seinfeld," of course, she won Emmys for her roles... Photo-5595464.76062 - seattlepi.com

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Nicolette Scorsese was the bodacious babe who appeared in a memorable scene that got Clark hot and bothered at the department store while Christmas shopping:

"Oh, I was just smelling - smiling. I was just blouse - browsing. I, uh,
heh heh. Well, I guess it just wouldn't... Oh hee hee, it wouldn't be
the Christmas shopping season if the stores were any less hooter than
they - HOTTER than they are. Whew. It is warm in here, isn't it?"